Tooth loss
Author: George Ghidrai, MD
Tooth loss is a process in which one or more teeth are lost. Tooth loss is normal for deciduous teeth (baby teeth), when they are replaced by a person's adult teeth.
Otherwise, losing teeth is undesirable and is the result of injury or disease, such as mouth trauma, tooth injury, tooth decay and periodontal disease.
The condition of being toothless or missing one or more teeth is called edentulism.
What are the main causes of teeth loss ?
There are 3 main causes for tooth loss.
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Dental decay and its complications
Tooth decay is the most common pathological condition that occurs in humans and it is the leading cause of tooth loss.
The process begins from the edge of the crown of the tooth and gradually progresses towards the dental pulp.
Bacteria from the cavity infect the pulp, then the infection penetrates the root canals and from there, through the apical foramen, it can spread throughout the alveolar bone.
These processes cause massive demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth.
If not treated, the condition will produce irreversible changes in tooth structure as well as infections in the surrounding tissues, which eventually lead to tooth loss.
!!!Following treatment, decay progression stops.
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Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is caused by the dental plaque that develops around teeth and gums. Dental plaque is formed by colonizing bacteria trying to attach to the tooth's smooth surface.
In case of improper oral hygiene, this can lead to the inflammation and/or infection of the gingival tissue, which may progress to deeper structures of the periodontal attachment apparatus : the periodontal ligaments and the alveolar bone.
When periodontal ligaments are damaged, dental mobility increases. Untreated, the infection can damage the bone that surrounds the tooth, causing its gradual destruction. Tooth becomes loose and, eventually, impossible to treat.
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Mouth trauma and tooth injury
Teeth may be injured during a fall or because of various accidents. Depending on the magnitude, a tooth may be knocked out (avulsed) or may become loose or moved in position (dental luxation).
In other situations, teeth could crack, chip, break or change colour. In some circumstances, a conservative treatment is still possible. Other situations may require the permanent removal of damaged teeth.